Check out the coolest creatures on the planet, their incredible superpowers and how you could work with them some day.
Regeneration
An axolotl can heal itself. It can regrow its limbs and even parts of its brain and spinal cord!
Did you know?
Conservationists are helping the critically endangered axolotl by restoring its habitat in Lake Xochimilco, Mexico City
Indestructability
Tardigrades can survive extreme temperatures, dehydration and starvation. They’ve also survived in space!
Fun fact
Astrobiologists (who study the possibility of life beyond Earth) are researching tardigrades in space to learn about long-duration space travel and survival on other planets.
Camouflage
The snow leopard is a master of this superpower. Its spotty coat helps it blend into snowy and rocky environments.
Future planning
Become a zoologist and you could care for animals at Melbourne Zoo and Taronga Western Plains Zoo.
Super speed
The peregrine falcon is the fastest animal on Earth! It can reach speeds of over 320 km/h during hunting dives.
FYI
Someone who studies birds is called an ornithologist (say aw·nuh·THOL·uh·juhst).
Super strength
The trophy for the strongest animal goes to the African bush elephant. It can lift a whopping 6,000 kg.
Real-life superheroes
Conservationists are working to protect endangered African bush elephants from poachers, habitat loss and climate change.
7 surprising creature careers
These jobs work with our furry, feathery and scaly friends!
1 Nutritionist
Works out the food needs of animals in captivity, on farms and for pets in our homes!
2 Agricultural technician
Measures and analyses food products (like grains, fruit and veg), and manages livestock (like cattle, sheep and pigs)
3 Occupational therapist
Uses animals to help patients improve their movement, plus social and emotional skills.
4 Venom extractor
‘Milks’ spiders, snakes and risky creatures to make medicines and bite treatments with venom.
5 Big cat dentist
Cares for the teeth of lions, tigers, cheetahs and leopards in zoos.
6 Ophthalmologist
Say opthal·MO·luh·juhst. Studies the structure of the eyes in different animals.
7 Radiographer
Takes X-rays of animals so vets can diagnose and check injuries and diseases.
Fact file
Name: Phoebe Meagher
Job: Wildlife conservation officer at Taronga Conservation Society Australia
Studied: Zoology
Favourite school subject: Biology
On the job: Phoebe releases animals into the wild and actively fights against poachers.
This article was first published in Careers with STEM: Primary, and was produced in partnership with Future You.
